Enfield Actions
In reading SSI's post, got me started again on the 9.3 x 64 Brenneke. So, my question is
Is one make of 1917 better than another, for strength, quality etc. Eddystone , Rem. 30, etc. THX HAWKSHAW
Is one make of 1917 better than another, for strength, quality etc. Eddystone , Rem. 30, etc. THX HAWKSHAW
0
-
To late in the game to be butchering a original Enfield for its action. Their considered high dollar military collectors items now.
If you can get your hands on a already stripped action, well and good. Make sure that it's either a original Remington or a Winchester. Eddystones had a bad reputation many years back, (when this type of sporterization was common) for having their receiver rings being cracked at the threads. It had something to do with their heat treat and the machine that was used to attach the barrel to the receiver.0 -
The eddystone is not an enfield. It's a mauser action I believe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_Enfield_rifle0 -
quote:Originally posted by chrishiher
The eddystone is not an enfield. It's a mauser action I believe.
Actually neither the P-13 (303Brit) or M-1917 (30-06) are Enfield OR Mauser actions. While they do share some traits with the Mauser, they are their own unique action.0 -
Nope, chris - rufe-snow had it exactly right.
Just check with A-Square. They use these for the big boomers.
Nope, - Tailgunner - the P-14, M 1917, Remington 30's, 720 and Model of 1934 Remington 7mm are all Enfields.
The 30, 1934 and 720 are all the same with minor features like rear sight ears removed, etc.
Frank de Haas and all the other experts as well as the makers refer to all these as Enfields.0 -
quote:Originally posted by I.Shute
Nope, chris - rufe-snow had it exactly right.
Just check with A-Square. They use these for the big boomers.
Nope, - Tailgunner - the P-14, M 1917, Remington 30's and Model of 1934 Remington 7mm are all Enfields.
Please see the link I posted. Enfield as a name maybe but enfield as an action not. Look at an eddy then look at a SMLE or No 4 quite different.0 -
Well the British Pattern of 1913 and 1914 were originally made at Enfield, England. So they are in that regard Enfields. But they are Mauser actions, yes.
In any case, there's nothing wrong with an Eddystone. It is a question of them over-torquing the barrel on installation that, on removal, often causes the receiver to crack. If you cut a relief cut in the barrel it should be ok to spin off. Otherwise Remington or Winchester are fine.
I second, however, that these are big-bucks collectables. Realize that you will be destroying a $600+ dollar rifle and would have to do a heck of a job on the sporter to have a gun worth as much at the end. But, if you can get a stripped action or an existing, badly done sporter then by all means do the build.
A further thought would be to pick up a Mauser action. You can get a Russian capture 98k for well under $300, or a Turk for under $150- plus it won't have the ungodly sight ears that the Enfield does. While also collectable, I'd rather see a $250 or $150 gun chopped than a nice US rifle.0 -
"Eddystones had a bad reputation many years back,"..........jonk is correct. if you can find an already sportized rifle, go for it. we used to buy these for $19.95 at gambles, grease and all (1903 springfields too[:(]). 10 years ago you could buy p-14 'drill rifles' for less than $30, I saw one at a gun show Sat. with a $300 tag on it[xx(] 0 -
Well, bear in mind that SMLE stands for Short Model Lee Enfield. They adapted the American Lee design to their then needs, just as they later picked up the German Mauser as a basis for the Pattern 13 Enfield rifle. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Hawk Carse
Well, bear in mind that SMLE stands for Short Model Lee Enfield. Enfield rifle.
Close, SMLE= Short Magazine Lee Enfield0 -
Hawkshaw,
"Is one make of 1917 better than another, for strength, quality etc. Eddystone , Rem. 30, etc."
The expeditious answer is No. They were all made the same way in three different factories. As noted though, a limited number of the Eddystone receiver front rings were found to have small fractures in them supposedly from an incorrect heat treat and the method of screwing the barrels on.
As to the rest of the comments, here is a quote from the highly vaunted but occasionally erroneous Wikipedia:
"The M1917 Enfield, the "American Enfield" (frequently misidentified or mislabeled as the "P17", "P1917", or "Pattern 1917"), formally named "United States Rifle, cal .30, Model of 1917" was an American modification and production of the British .303 caliber P14 rifle developed and manufactured during the period 1917-1918."
It may have some features that are similar to some found on the Mauser but the M1917 is definitely NOT a Mauser. This can be made clear when all of the details of the design and construction are taken into account.
The greatest draw for custom gunmakers regarding these actions is the weight and strength of the actions coupled with the extra long bolt. This feature makes these actions desirable from the building standpoint because of the ease of using the 3.600" length cartridges such as the .375 H&H.
In the past, far too many gunsmiths and the amateur contingency automatically removed the ears on the rear ring. While not really aesthetically pleasing in their original conformation, these ears can be modified by filing or machining to become one of the best and most study rear scope ring bases in history. So if you do come across an action, don't rush to removing them immediately.
Best.0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
10 comments